Ruth (Schuette) Sundby (May 1, 1951 - July 3, 2026)

Ruth (Schuette) Sundby, 75, was born in Kaukauna, Wisconsin May 1st, 1951, the youngest child of Edwin and Ethel (Tyrrell) Schuette.  She graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1969 and attended the University of Wisconsin.  Many days were spent on the “south side” of Kaukauna on 10th Street causing mischief with her siblings Wayne, Jeanne, Myron, and David.

Aunt Ruthie was a Funtie (before Funties were a thing) to her nieces and nephews and took great joy in spoiling them.  She was the kind of aunt that would dress up like Santa to deliver gifts at Christmas.  Her nieces and nephews spent time with her in Milwaukee and the Twin Cities, and she took them on adventures including a Billy Ocean concert that ended with a backstage meet and greet with Billy.  

Ruth had various jobs throughout her life in both Milwaukee and Minneapolis including waitressing at Three Brothers restaurant and selling advertisements for radio stations which afforded her perks such as the aforementioned concert tickets and backstage access.  She most recently worked in the photo department at Walgreens in Wauwatosa and enjoyed gardening in her free time.

In her early years, Ruth lived near Wolski’s in Milwaukee, and it became a second home to her.  It was there she met Dennis and they forged a lifetime friendship.  Ruthie closed Wolski’s many a night and although she didn’t need a bumper sticker to prove it, she “has the receipts”.  Years later, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews would visit Wolski’s and drop Ruthie’s name in an attempt to receive some perks.  Sometimes it worked.  Ruthie had a great personality, a witty sense of humor, a caring heart, and an infectious laugh.  She was the kind of person that people wanted to be with and gravitated towards.  She had many friends who she had known for most of her life.

After moving to the Minneapolis area, Ruth met the love of her life, Mike Sundby, and despite his love for Minnesota sports teams, the family welcomed him with open arms.  Ruth and Mike went on many adventures together including a favorite spot in Zihuatanejo Mexico where they returned on February 4th, 1999, for their wedding.  They were joined by close friends and family on this special occasion.  They had a happy marriage together until Mike’s death in November 2002, his passing much too soon.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Ethel, her husband Mike, and her siblings Mary, Wayne (Carla) Schuette and Jeanne Hanson.  She is survived by her brothers Myron (Donna) Schuette, David (Mary) Schuette, and her eight favorite nieces and nephews.  Special thanks to the “east side crew” in Milwaukee and her friends in the cities for their support over the years and following her death.  Her network of lifelong friends shows how much she valued those relationships.  Per Ruth’s wishes, there will be no memorial service held on her behalf.  Please gather with family and friends and share your favorite memory of Ruth.